Award-winning destinations in Mexico for a late-summer escape

As the season draws to a close, there is an invitation to slow down and rediscover travel through a more tranquil lens. As August and September mark the end of the summer and the transition into the fall, Mexico reveals destinations where attentive service, thoughtful architecture, and exceptional cuisine set a new standard for comfort—without relying on the usual crowded itineraries.

Choosing award-winning destinations away from the most crowded itineraries is a genuine way to experience elevated travel. By selecting places recognized for their distinctive qualities, travelers can enjoy thoughtfully designed surroundings, personalized service, and memorable culinary experiences.

Discover the richness of Mexico from a privileged perspective, giving yourself the time and space to rest, recharge, and reconnect in truly exceptional surroundings.

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit: excellence on Mexico’s Pacific coast

The corridor stretching from Banderas Bay in Jalisco to the coast of Nayarit remains an undisputed benchmark for Pacific hospitality. Unlike other urban destinations, this region balances the beauty of tropical jungle with impeccable service tailored to discerning travelers’ expectations.

This year, the region’s global appeal was reaffirmed. In TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards, Puerto Vallarta once again ranked among Mexico’s top destinations, while its iconic Malecón was recognized among the country’s leading attractions for its vibrant cultural and artistic offerings in the open air. Nearby Nuevo Nayarit, formerly known as Riviera Nayarit or Nuevo Vallarta, also ranked among the top destinations in the same selection.

The region’s culinary scene is a destination in its own right. Book a dinner at acclaimed restaurants recommended by international guides, where the bounty of the sea is transformed through innovative techniques, or charter a private catamaran to cruise the bay at sunset. Watching the sun sink over the water, with personalized service designed entirely around you, offers a new perspective on relaxation.

Todos Santos: Where desert meets sea in Baja California Sur

Just an hour from Los Cabos, Todos Santos is an oasis of culture, art, and architecture nestled between the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its cultural heritage earned it Pueblo Mágico status in 2006, establishing it as one of the most distinctive destinations in Baja California Sur.

In 2026, Todos Santos received the AireLibre Destino México Award at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) for its focus on nature and wellness, while continuing to stand out in Lo Mejor de México (The Best of Mexico) by México Desconocido magazine as an ideal destination for romance and weddings. Its culinary and hospitality offerings have also gained recognition in prestigious international guides, including the Michelin Guide.

Surrounded by agricultural fields, seasonal cuisine, boutique hotels, and wellness experiences, Todos Santos invites travelers to embrace a slower, more authentic pace—close to Los Cabos, yet removed from the bustle of its most popular areas.

Izamal: Viceroyal elegance in Yucatán

At the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, within easy reach of Mérida and the Caribbean, lies Izamal, a historic city where life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Known as the City of Three Cultures, its streets bring together Maya heritage, colonial architecture, and contemporary life, framed by the distinctive yellow façades of its historic center.

Izamal was designated a Pueblo Mágico in 2002, becoming the first destination in Yucatán to receive the distinction. Its historical significance also earned it a place on Mexico’s UNESCO Tentative List in 2008, as a candidate for future World Heritage designation. In addition, it received the Diversification of Mexico’s Tourism Product Award in 2018 for Senderos de Luz, a multimedia nighttime experience that brings the city’s heritage to life.

Walking through its streets at sunset reveals the magic of its historic convents, Maya remains, and colonial mansions, while boutique hotels and traditional courtyards invite visitors to savor Yucatecan cuisine in a tranquil and authentic setting.

Valle de Bravo: Among the Forests of the State of Mexico

Surrounded by pine-covered mountains and its emblematic lake, Valle de Bravo combines colonial architecture, nature, and a strong tradition of adventure tourism. Its natural and cultural heritage earned it Pueblo Mágico status in 2005, establishing it as one of the State of Mexico’s most emblematic destinations.

In 2026, Valle de Bravo added another distinction to its record when it was named “Best Pueblo Mágico for a Nature Adventure Experience” in Lo Mejor de México (The Best of Mexico), presented by México Desconocido magazine. The award was presented during the Tianguis Turístico in Acapulco and recognizes the diversity of experiences offered by the surrounding landscape, from lake activities to hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.

Just over two hours from Mexico City, its forests, waterfalls, and lakeside landscapes invite travelers to enjoy a getaway where nature, adventure, and tranquility come together.

Mineral de Pozos: Historic luxury in Guanajuato

Among former mines, historic haciendas, and streets that preserve traces of its past, Mineral de Pozos reveals a distinctive side of Guanajuato. This former mining town, designated a Pueblo Mágico in 2012, combines its historic heritage with a contemporary cultural and artistic scene, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a slower, more distinctive experience.

Its cultural richness and range of experiences have earned it several distinctions. In 2024, it was nominated in Lo Mejor de México as “Best Pueblo Mágico for a Wellness and Health Escape,” and in 2025 it received recognition at the Premios Mágicos por Excelencias for its Pre-Hispanic Music Festival, reflecting the way its traditions continue to find new forms of expression.

Exploring its historic streets, former mining ruins, and independent galleries reveals a destination with a singular atmosphere. Lavender fields, wellness experiences, and clear night skies add to its appeal, making Mineral de Pozos a peaceful retreat for disconnecting and rediscovering a more authentic side of Mexico.

Strategic planning for an unforgettable journey

Planning a getaway to these unconventional yet highly recognized destinations requires thoughtful preparation to ensure seamless transportation and a truly personalized experience.

• Private transportation and easy access: Because many of these destinations are intentionally set at a distance from major airports, arranging private transportation with a professional driver is highly recommended. Having a vehicle at your disposal not only maximizes your time but also makes journeys between beaches, agricultural landscapes, and historic towns more comfortable and effortless.
• Exclusive reservations tailored to you: To secure the finest suites and reservations at acclaimed restaurants, it is advisable to work with your hotel’s Concierge well in advance. This can also help arrange private access to artisan workshops, intimate tastings, or personalized spa treatments.
• Choosing the right destination for your travel style: Mexico offers a remarkable variety of destinations suited to different ways of traveling. From places where the sea, nature, and wellness set the pace to towns where history, culture, and gastronomy take center stage, each destination offers a different way to experience the country. The right choice ultimately depends on what you seek: disconnecting and unwinding, connecting with nature, exploring cultural heritage, or enjoying exceptional gastronomy and hospitality.

Choosing award-winning destinations away from the most crowded itineraries is a genuine way to experience elevated travel. By selecting places recognized for their distinctive qualities, travelers can enjoy thoughtfully designed surroundings, personalized service, and memorable culinary experiences.

Discover the richness of Mexico from a privileged perspective, giving yourself the time and space to rest, recharge, and reconnect in truly exceptional surroundings.